Mining machine



M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Sept. 27, 1938.

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MINING MACHINE Sept. 27, 1938.

`Filed June 18, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet juve 2019.- Mffz'cs Paf/ms Sept. 27, 1938. l M. P. HOL-MES '29131,175

MINING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet f5 Sept. 27, 1938. M, P, HOLMES 2,131,175

MINING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1955 '7v Sheets-Sheet 4 wefzfor:

' Sept. 27, 1938. `M. P. HOLMES 2,131,175

, MINING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 27, 1938. M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Filed June 18, 1955 7 sheets-sheet e M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Sept. 27, 1938.

Filed June 18, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 @N @N Y 1 I -Q l m 1 w N ll I IIUIH n@ N@ www *NN Patented Sept. 27, 1938 UNITED STATES ivnNlNG MACHINE Morris P. Holmes, Claremont,` N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application June 18, 1935, Serial No.- 27,214

13 Claims.

This invention relates to mining machines, and more particularly has reference to coal mining machines having improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism and improved kerf cutter adjusting and driving means.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining machine. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining machine having improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism. A further object is to provide an improved adjustable supporting structure for the kerf cutting mechanism for adjusting the kerf cutter into different elevated po-sitions and having associated therewith improved parallel motion means for maintaining automatically the kerf cutterv in a horizontal cutting position during adjustment thereof, and having embodied the-rein improved means for tilting the kerf cutter through a wide range of angularly related cutting planes with respect to the horizontal. A further object is to provide an improved swinging arm structure and associated parallel motion means for moving the korf cutter into different elevated positions through a series of parallel horizontal planes, the improved parallel motion means having embodied therein improved means for tilting the kerf cutter through a wide range oi angularly related cutting planes with respect to the horizontal. Yet another object is to provide an improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism for a coal mining machine of the exibly fed, floor cutter type mounted to slide on its own bottom over the mine floor during the cutting operation. Yet another object is to` provide an improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism having embodied therein improved means for adjusting the kerf cutter into a vertical shearing position with respect to the swinging arm structure at either side of the arm structure and into horizontal cutting positions above and below n the arm structure. A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved adjustable supporting structure for the kerf cutting mechanism of the vertical shear cutter type, together with improved feeding and driving means for the kerf cutter. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes of illustration three forms which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings- Fig. l is a plan View of one illustrative form of the improved mining machine, parts being shown in horizontal section to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1, a portion of the arm structure being broken away to show the interior construction.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional View taken substantially'on line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail View inlongitudinal section taken substantially yon line 4 4 of Figs. 1 and 3, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.` y

Fig. 5 is a detailsectional view taken on line 5 5`of Fig. 4.,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section taken substantially on line 6 6 of Fig. 1.

, Fig. 7 is an enlarged View in longitudinal section taken substantially on line 1 1 of Fig. 1.vr

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on line `3 8of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional View taken substantially on line 9 9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. l0 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on line I0 I 0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 111` is a detail sectional view taken substantiallyl on line Il ll of Fig. 9. .Y Fig. l2 is a fragmentary plan View with parts shown in horizontal section showing a modified form of construction.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational View of Fig. 12, with parts shown in longitudinal section to illustrate structural details.

Fig. .14 is a cross sectional view taken on M Hl of Fig. 13.`

Fig. 15 vis a View similar to Fig. 1 showing another modied form of construction.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional View taken' on line Iii-I6 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 1'7 is a detail view in longitudinal section taken substantially on line H IT of Fig. l5.

Fig. 18 is a side elevational view of the mining machine shown in Fig. 15, with parts shown in section. f

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section taken substantially on line Iii-I9 of Fig. 15.

In theillustrative embodiment of the invention in Figs-'1 to 11, inclusive, there isA shown a coal mining machine of the iiexibly fed, floor cutter typeparticularly designed to use in accordance with the room and pillar system of mining. Itl will be evident, however, that the various novel features of the invention may be embodied in mining machines of various other types. The improved machine comprises a machine frame I havinga smooth bottom surface 2 whereby the machine may rest upon and slide in any direction over the `mine oor. Straddling the forward line ' guide rolls I2, I2.

anism for tilting the cutter support about `its f pivot as the arm structure is swung vertically,

thereby always to maintain automatically the.

kerf cutter in a horizontal cuttingposition during elevation thereof and having embodied therein improved means for tilting the cutter support '4` with respect to the arm structure to tilt the kerf cutter through a wide range of angularly related cutting planes with respect to the horizontal.

The machine may be fed over the mine floor by flexible feeding means including relatively rotatable Vfeeding andv controlling drums 6 and 'I cooperating respectively with feeding and control- 'ling cables 8 and 9, the drums arranged in coaxial relation at opposite sides of the machine frame on horizontal axes extending 'transversely of the machine frame at the rear of the pivotal axis of the arm structure,`as' shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Arranged on vertical axes at the rear end of the machine frame are horizontal guide' rolls I0, IU and II, II, while arranged in coaxial relation on horizontal axes extending transversely of the machine frame a-t opposite sides of the machine' frame adjacent the drums are vertical Arranged slightly in advance of the guide rolls I2, |`2 on relativelyv inclined axes are vertical guide rolls I3'. Located at the opposite front corners ofthe machine frame are swing arms carrying horizontal guide rolls I4, I4'. These guide rolls guide the feeding and controlling cables 8 and 9 in various manners' during operation of the machine 'as is well understood by those skilled in the art. The machine maybe fed longitudinally over the mine door to sump the kerf cutter within the coal seam and may be fed transversely across the coal face to effect a` transverse cutting operation, and the arm structure and cutter support may be swung about their respective pivots to move the kerf cutter into various cutting planes at `different elevations between the mine roof and mine floor, as will hereinafter be described.V If desired, the machine may be fed rectilinearly relative to a bottomr skid plate4 and a hydraulic walking jack structure may be employed in conjunction with the skid plate for moving the 'machine over the 'mine floor, in the manner described in a' copending application to Joseph F. Joy,` Serial No. 684,707, led August 11, 1933, now matured into Patent No. 2,062,657, patented Dec. 1, 1936.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention, the machine frame supports a motor I5 having its power shaft I8 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine, the motor casing overlying the forward portion of the machine frame in the manner shown in Figs.'1 'and 2. Thearm structure 3 straddles the casing of this motor and has parallel side arm 'portions Il and I8-, herein preferably made hollow, extending longitudinally along the sides of the frame and having at their rearward ends cylindrical bearing portions I9 journaled von lateral trunnions 20, 20 (see Fig. "3) formed integral with the sides of the machine frame. 'Ihe cutter support 4 has lateral trunnions 2| journaled in cylindrical bearing portions 22 formed on the forward extremities of the side arm portions I'I and I8, the support trunnions having flanges 23 with which cooperate retaining rings 24 secured to thebearing portions 22 for retaining the support trunnions within their journal bearings on the outer extremity of the arm structure. The means for elevating and depressing the arml structure 3 withrespect to the machine frame comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 25 arranged at the Yopposite sides of the machine frame longitudinally along the opposite sides of the motor casing and located beneath the side arm portions of the arm structure. The lower ends of these cylinders `are pivotally mounted at 2E on brackets 21 secured to the machine frame and each contains a reclprocatory piston 28 having a forwardly extending piston rod 29. The piston rods extend forwardly .through the packed front heads 30 of the cylinders and are pivotally connected at 3| within p'rojecting'lugs 32 formed onv the side 'arm portionsy of the arm structure. When hydraulic pressure Vis supplied ina suitable manner to the cylinders 25, the 'pistons 28 may be moved to swing the arm structure to move the -kerf cutter into the desired'elevated position, and by trapping the pressure within the cylinders the Aarm structure' may be locked in any desired adjusted position about its pivotal axis. to the limproved driving means for the kerf cutter, it will befnoted that keyed tothe rear end of the" motor power shaft I6 is a bevel vpinion 35 meshing with a bevel gear 36 (see Figs. 1 and 3). Thisv bevel gear has its hub journaled within the machine frame and is Vkeyed to a horizontal shaft 3-'I'likewise journaled within the' vmachine frame and arranged with its axis alined with the pivotal axisy of the arm structure 3. The shaft 31 is connectible'by a sliding gear clutch 38-to an alinedshaft 39 journaled within bearings supported WithinV the trunnion 20 of 'the pivotal mounting for 'the arm structure. The clutch 38 is operated by a shipper lever 4B havinga suitable operating handle 4I. 'Keyed-to the outer end of the'shaft 39'is a double chain sprocket v42` which engages and drives a roller chain 43 of the double strand type 'arranged within the hollow side arm portion I8 0f the arm structure. Secured within the 'side'arm portion I8 within the lower'portion thereof is a'wear plate 44 for guiding the lower strand 'of the Vroller `chain 43. The `chain 43 engages'and drivesv a double sprocket 45 keyed to a shaft V46' journaled within the cutter support trunnion 2I` and arranged Vwith its axis alined with the pivotal 'axis of the cutter support 4. Keyed to vand driven by the shaft 48 is a bevel gear 41 meshing with a bevel vgear 48 (see Fig. 6). The hub of the gear 48 is yieldably connected by a disc clutch 49 to a shaft 50 journaled in the cutter support, and this clutch is set at a predetermined load and is adapted to slip automatically upon overload of the kerf cutting mechanism. 1 Keyed to the shaft 50 is a chain sprocket 5I which engages and drives an endless cutter chain 52 guided about the margin of an elongated plane cutter bar 53. The cutter bar 53 is supported by a hanger frame 54 rigidly bolted to the frame of the cutter support 4. Journaled within a bearing sleeve 55 supported within the trunnion for the side arm portion I1 of the arm structure is ashaft 56 having keyed thereto a chain sprocket 5'I.l This chain sprocket is connected by an endless parallel motion chain 58 arranged within the hollow arm portion I'I and engaging a chain sprocket 59 keyed to a shaft 6U Now referringY arranged with its axis alined with the pivotal axis of the cutter support 4 and keyed within the cutter support trunnion 2|, as shown in Fig. 1. The shaft 56, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, has an integral depending arm 62 pivotally connected at 63 to a link 64 in turn pivotally connected at 65 to one end of a lever 66. The lever 66 is pivotally mounted at 61 within the machine frame and has its opposite end pivotally connected at 68 to the lower end of a piston rod 69. Pivotally mounted within horizontal trunnion bearings 18 formed within the machine frame is a servo-motor including a hydraulic cylinder 1| containing a reciprocatory piston 12 having its piston rod 69 extending downwardly through the packed lower head 13 of the cylinder. When hydraulic pressure is locked or trapped within the cylinder 1| the chain sprocket 51- is held stationary, and as the arm structure 3 is swung vertically about its pivotal axis with respect to the machine frame, the endless chain 58 engaging the chain sprocket 59 fixed to the cutter support 4 acts automatically to always maintain the kerf cutter in a horizontal cutting position during swinging of the arm structure. When hydraulic pressure is suitably supplied to one end or the other of the cylinder 1| to eifect reciprocatory motion of the piston 12, the arm 62 may be swung through the lever and link connection to rotate the sprocket 51, thereby to effect through the endless chain 58 and sprocket 59 tilting of the cutter support 4 about its pivotal axis with respect to the arm structure. By locking or trapping the pressure fluid within the cylinder 1| the cutter support may be locked in any position on its pivotal axis. It is accordingly evident that the top and bottom strands of the endless chain 58 form a parallel motion mechanism foralways maintaining the kerf cutter in a horizontal cutting position during swinging of the arm structure and that the associated means including the cylinder and piston provide means for tilting the cutter support to vary the inclination of the kerf cutter with respect to the horizonte-l. For supplying fluid under pressure to the lift cylinders 25 for the arm structure and the cutter support tilting and locking cylinder 1|, there is provided a bevel gear 14 meshing with and driven by the bevel gear 35 and having its hub suitably journaled within the machine frame. The hub of this bevel gear is keyed to the shaft 15 of a pump 16 herein arranged within a chamber 11 formed within the machine frame for containing a supply of uid. This pump is adapted to supply fluid under pressure through suitable valve controlled pipe connections to the cylinders to effect reciprocation of the pistons and for locking the pistons within their respective cylinders. Obviously such valve and piping connections may assume various forms such as a four-way valve controlling communication between a supply connection from the pump and a discharge line to the fluid chamber and connections to the cylinders; and a suitably loaded by-pass to discharge in the fluid chamber.

The driving mechanism for the feeding and controlling drums 6 and 1 for rotating the latter in a direction to wind in their respective cables may be similar to that disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 699,024, filed Nov. 21, 1933, now matured into Patent No. 2,091,985, granted` Sept. '7, 1937, and herein comprises a spur pinion 88 keyed to the rear end of the motor power shaft I6 (see Fig. 7) and meshing with a spur gear 8l keyed to a horizontal shaft 82 herein extending longitudinally of the machine and suitably journaled within the machine frame. Keyed to the longitudinal shaft 82 is a worm 83 meshing at its opposite sides with, and -driving inA opposite directions, horizontal worm wheels 84 and 85, herein arranged on parallel vertical axes at opposite sides of the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine in the manner shown in Fig. 9. The worm Wheel 84 is connectible Aby a multiple disc clutch 86 to a vertical shaft 81 suitably journaled within the machine frame and having fixed thereto and driven thereby a slow speed worm 88 meshing with a slow speed worm wheel 89. The worm wheel 89 is rotatably mounted on a horizontal drum drive shaft 98 arranged transversely of the machine frame with its axis alined with the drum axes and suitably journaled within bearings carried by the opposite side walls of the machine frame. The worm wheel is fixed to a vertical shaft 9| similar to the shaft 81 and likewise journaled within the machine frame,

and has fixed thereto and driven thereby a highspeed worm 92 meshing with a high speed worm Wheel 93 coaxial with the worm wheel 89 and likewise rotatably mounted on the shaft 98, as shown in Fig. 8. The vertical shafts 81 and 9| are arranged with their axes lying in a transverse vertical plane to the rear of the transverse shaft 98, as shown in Fig. '1.

The slow and high speed worm wheels l89 and 93 are connectible to the shaft 98 to effect drive of the latter at either a slow or a high speed,

and the means for connecting these worm wheels to the shaft comprise locking plungers 94, herein in the form of balls, controlled by a reciprocable shipper member 95 surrounding the shaft 98 and slidably mounted on the worm wheel hubs. These locking plungers are guided within radial guide slots 96 formed in the hubs of the worm wheels,l and are movable into interlocking engagement with locking recesses or grooves 91 formed on the shaft 98. The clutch member 95 is operated vby a shipper yoke 98 formed on a longitudinally extending operating rod 99 rotatably mounted within the upper portion of the machine frame and having xed thereto at its rear end an operating lever |88. This operating lever carries a plunger lock for holding ythe clutch member 95 in its diierent positions. It will thus be seen that when the member 95 is shifted toward'the left in Fig. 8, the right hand locking plungers 94 are released fromthe locking grooves on the shaft while the left hand plungers 94 are protruded inwardly within the locking grooves 91, thereby to connect positively the worm wheel to the shaft. When the clutch member is shifted toward the right in Fig. 8, the left hand locking plungers'are released while the other worm wheel is connected to the shaft by the right hand locking plungers 94.

The drums 6 and 1 are journaled on the projecting ends of the drum drive shaft 98 at the opposite sides of the feed frame and are connectible in driving relation with the shaft 98 by multiple disc clutches |8| arranged within the drums respectively. The operating means for the disc clutch within the drum 6 comprises an operating rod |82 threaded within a nut |83 secured to the drum and engaging through a ball bearing pressure plate |84 'the clutch operating.

levers |85. The operating means for the clutch within the drum 1 comprises an operating rod |86 extending centrally through a bore formed in the shaft 98 and similarly connected'through a ball bearing pressure plate and clutch applying levers to the clutch. Operatingrod |82 has a hand wheel |01, while the operating rod |96`has a hand WheelV |08',` the hand wheels arranged in coaxial relation. It will thus be seen that byoperating these hand Wheels the disc clutches for the drums 6 and 'I Vmay be independently or simultaneously applied, as desired. Although the worm wheels 84 and 85 rotate in o-pposite directions, the worm wheels 89 and 93 are driven in the same direction because the worms 88 and 92 have oppositely inclined teeth, and as a result the drums 6 and are rotated in the same direction at either a slow or a high speed under the control of the interlocking plungersland the drum clutches.

The improved operating mechanism for the low speed clutch 86 for effecting drive of the drum drive shaft 9U at variable speeds thro-ugh the low speed worm gearing comprises, as shown most clearly vin' Figs. 9, 10 and 11, a cam element H9 formed integral with the hub of the fast speed Worm wheel 93 and having a plurality, herein four,

of cam projections I I I; and cooperating with the cam surfaces of this cam element is a horizontal longitudinally disposed plunger, herein inv the form of a rod H2, guided `within a bore formed in a bracket member secured -to the machine frame. The rearwardV end ofthis plunger rod I I2 is formed with a cylindrical enlargement I I3 presenting a shoulder H4, and a coil spring H5 encircling the rod is compressed between an adjustable abutment, herein a nut H6 threaded on the rod, and a washer slidably mounted on the rod and normally engaging the shoulder H4. The cylindrical enlargement. I |3 of the rod passes through and guides a trunnion device I8, herein comprising trunnion blocks H9, H9 having concave recesses slidably engaging the cylindrical sides of the rod enlargement I I3 and pivotally connected at |2|y to vertically swingable lever arms- |22, |22. The trunnion device is supported by the lever arms |22, and` these lever arms are supported for pivotal movement on a horizontal pin |23 supported by an adjustable member |24, this adjustable member providing an adjustable fulcrum mounting for the lever arms. 'Ihe ends of the lever arms opposite from the trunnion device are pivotally connected to a horizontal pin |25 carried by a lever |26 having an elongated sleeve-like hub |2'| rotatably mounted on a transverse rod |29l suitably supported within the sides ofthe machine frame. The end of the sleevelike hub opposite from the lever |26 has secured thereto a clutch shipper yoke |29 engaging a ball bearing clutch operating member |39. This clutch operating member has projections |3| engageable with the pressure plate |32 of the discA clutch` 86. In the present construction the leverV in turn threadedly connected at |35 within` the rear end Wall of the machine frame and having an operating handle |36. The threads on the threaded portion |33 and the nut member v|34 are respectively right and left hand, and upon rotation of the hand wheel |36 the member |24 is moved axially to vary the position of the fulcrum of the lever arms |22. It will thus be seen that when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 11, and the cam element H8 is rotating, the cam projections HI engaging the plunger rod H2 move the latter axially, increasing the tension of the spring H5 and, through the spring, washer H1 and trunnion device, effecting swinging of the lever arms |22, thereby to swing the lever |26, and, as a result, depressing the shipper yoke arm-,17e

|29 to effect intermittent application of the friction clutch 86, the clutch being applied every time a camprojection acts to move the plunger rodv l |2 to the right, and the clutch being released each time the plunger rod engages a low point in the cam. By adjusting the handle |36 the position of the fulcrum of the lever arms |22 may be changed to vary the time intervals of application of the friction clutch. By moving the lever fulcrum into its extreme inner position, the innerV end of the plunger rod is at all times held against the surface of the cam element, thereby effecting constant application of the friction clutch, the spring H5 compressing as the cam projections engage and move the plunger rod. By moving the lever fulcrum'to its extreme opposite position, the cam element may rotate while the friction clutch is at all times released, the plunger rod moving axially back and forth as the cam projections engage the same Without applying the clutch. It will thus be seen that the slow speed worm gearing 88, 89 may be driven through the disc clutch 86 at any desired slow feeding speed between zero and a predetermined maximum slow feeding speed, the worm gearing being driven intermittently through a wide range of speeds between said maximum low speed and zero and continuously at said maximum low speed. It will also be evident that when the disc clutches within the cable drums 6 and 'l are applied and the high speed worm wheel 93 is connected to the drum drive shaft 99 by the interlocking clutch device 94, 91, the drums may be rotated in winding directio'n at a relatively high machine moving or haulage speed; while when the disc clutch 86 is applied and the low speed worm wheel 89 is connected to the shaft 99 by the interlocking clutch mechanism, the drums may be driven in winding direction at a relatively low feeding speed; and by Varying the application o-f the disc clutch 86, the drums may be driven in winding direction at any desired low feeding speed between zero and the maximum low feeding speed. As previously mentioned, the drums may be simultaneously connected tothe drum drive shaft 99 or one or the other may be released therefrom, as desired; it also being possible to release both drums from the shaft. By moving the shipper member 98 into an intermediate or neutral position shown, both of the interlocking clutch mechanisms are released, thereby permitting the drum drive shaft 99 to remain Ystationary while the worm wheels 89`and 93 both rotate.

The mining machine above described is adapted to be supported on a transport truck during transport of the machine about the mine as is usual in room and pillar machines, and the Wheels of the transport truck may be driven from the mining machine motor through the spur pinion 89, spur gear 8|, the longitudinal drive shaft 82, the rear end of this shaft being polygonally formed at |40 (see Fig. '7) for engagement within a polygonal socket formed on the driving element of the truck. Y

In the modication shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the cutter support 4 of the preferred embodiment of the invention above described is omitted and there is tiltably mounted on the outer extremity of the arm structure 3 for rocking movement with respect thereto about a transverse axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis a support I4I having lateral trunnions |42, |42 journaled within the forward extremities of the side arm portions of the arm structure. Journaled in sleeve bearings |43 supported within a cylindrical bearing portion |44 of the tilting support |4| is an elongated sleeve-like neck frame |45 of a rotatable cutter head |40, the head axis being arranged at right angles to the pivotal axis of the tiltable frame I4| and extending substantially longitudinally of the machine. Journaled in the frame of the cutter head |46 and the tilting support |4| and arranged with its axis alined with the cutter head axis is a shaft |41 having keyed thereto at its rear end a bevel gear |48 meshing with and driven by a bevel gear |49 keyed to the shaft 40 and driven through the chain and sprocket connection 42, 43, 45 arranged within the hollow side arm portion I8 of the arm structure. Keyed to the forward end of the shaft |41 is a bevel gear |50 meshing with the bevel gear 48 for driving the cutter chain drive sprocket 5|. In this instance the cutter bar 53 is mounted on a hanger |5| having a cylindrical portion |52 rotatably mounted on a cylindrical bearing portion |53 formed integral with the cutter head frame. The cylindrical portion |52 has a radial flange |54 with which cooperates a retaining ring |55 bolted to the cutter head frame for maintaining the hanger frame |5| in its swiveled position on the cutter head frame. It will thus be seen that the cutter bar is pivotally mounted for swinging movement with respect to the cutter head frame about an axis coincident with the axis of the drive shaft 50 for the cutter chain sprocket 5I and is adapted to be locked in its different angular positions of adjustment by a locking pin i 55 arranged in a bore formed on the cutter head frame and adapted to register with any one of a series of locking vapertures |51 formed in the flange |54 of the bar hanger frame. The means for rotating the neck frame |45 of the cutter head within its bearings with respect to the tiltable support |4| comprises a fluid pressure motor I 50 having its casing secured to the tiltable support IM, and the drive shaft |59 of this lmotor has xed thereto a worm |60 meshing with a worm wheel |6| herein formed integral with the neck frame |45. It will thus be seen that the kerf cutter may be adjusted about the head axis into horizontal and vertical cutting positions and that by swinging the arm structure and support |4| about their respective pivots the elevation and angular position of the head axis may be varied as desired. The parallel motion chain, as in the form of the invention above described, maintains automatically the cutter head axis always in a horizontal position during swinging of the arm structure and by operating the tilting cyln// der for this chain the head axis may be tilt d with respect to the horizontal. Otherwise/this OIm of the invention is the same as that-abovede-v scribed.

The operation of the formsf the improved mining machine above described will be clearly apparent from the description given. When the kerf cutter is in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 13, the hydraulic'c'ylinders 25 may be operated to depress the armV structure 3 to lower the kerf cutter into a bottom cutting position at the level of the minefloor. When the kerf cutter is thus disposed'the clutch 38 may be connected to effect rapid circulation of the cutter chain about the margin of the cutter bar, and the feed cable 8 may be extended from the feed drum VIi around -the guide sheaves I3, I4 at the advancing side of the machine to a suitable anchor jack located at the coal face in advance of the machine while the controlling cable 9 may be extended from the control drum 1 around the guide sheaves I2 and |0 to a suitable anchor jack located at the rib, and as the cables are wound in by the drums, the machine is slid in a longitudinal direction bodily over the mine floor to sump the kerf cutter within the coal seam. Upon completion of the sump- Y ing cut, the feed cable.8 is extended from the guide sheave |4 at the advancing side of the machine transversely across the coal face to an anchor jack located at the left hand rib, and as the feed cable 8 is wound in by the drum 0, the mining machine is slid bodily laterally over the mine oor to cut a horizontal kerf transversely across the coal face, the controlling drum 1 at that time controlling the angular position of the mining machine with respect to the coal face in a well known manner. By adjustment of the armstructure, the kerf cutter may be positioned to cut horizontal kerfs at different elevations between the mine oor and mine roof, the parallel motion mechanism maintaining the kerf cutter in horizontal cutting position during swinging of the arm structure. By operating the tilting cylinder 1I the cutter support 4 may betilted about its pivot with respect to the arm structure to move the kerf cutter through a wide range of angularly related cutting planes with respect to the horizontal. When it is desired to insert a vertical shear out in the coal face, the motor |58 may be operated to rotate, through the worm gearing IGI, the cutter head |46 into a position wherein the kerf cutter is in a vertical shearing position. The arm structure 3 may then be swung upwardly to position the tip end of the kerf cutter adjacent the mine roof and the machine is then fed bodily longitudinally by the feeding and controlling cables to sump the kerf cutter within the coal. The hydraulic cylinders 25 are then operated to swing the arm structure 3 downwardly about its pivot to move the kerf cutter in an arcuate path .about the arm structure pivot to cut a vertical kerf in the coal/face between the mine roof and mine floor. The feeding and controlling cables are then operated to move the machine bodily rearwardly from the coal face to withdraw the kerf cutter'from the coal seam. By rotating the cutter head |45, the kerf cutter may be disposed in vertical shearing positions at either side/0f the arm structure and in horizontal cr/ittlng position above and below the forward extremity of the .arm structure. By rotatingwtn/e cutter head to move the kerf cutter intpatop cutting position and by swinging the rar/m structure upwardly,` the kerf cutter may be positioned to cut a horizontal kerf at the mine roof, and when the kerf cutter is thus disposed the kerf cutter may be sumped in, moved transversely across the coal face and thereafter withdrawn from the coal, in the manner above detruck frame is a machine frame |68, generally similar to the machine frame of the forms of the invention above described, having mounted thereon a vertically swingable arm structure |69 similar to the arm structure 3 and similarly straddling the forward portion of the machine frame. Supported by the `Vforward portion of the machine frame is a motor |10 having'its power shaft I1| horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine. The verist tically swinging arm structure |69 has parallel side arm portions |12v and |13v extending longitudinally along the sides of the motor casing at theY opposite sides of the machine frame, and the rear ends of these side arm portions have cylindrical bearing portions |14 journaled on bearing sleeves supported by trunnions |15 projecting laterally from the opposite sides of the machine frame. It will thus be seen that the arm structure is swingable vertically with respect to the machine frame about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine and located at the rear of the motor above the truck frame |65 as shown in Fig. 18. Rigidly fixed to and extending between the forward extremities of the side arm portions of the Aarm structure is a connecting frame |16 having rigidly xed thereto a vertical kerf cutter |11. Keyed to the motor power shaft |1| is a bevel gear |18 meshing with a bevel gear |19 keyed to a horizontal shaft |80, similar to the shaft 31 of the forms of the invention above described, and similarly connectible by a sliding gear clutch |8| to a shaft |82. The alinedV shafts |8|, |82 are suitably journaled within the machine frame and are arranged with their axes alined with the pivotal axis of the arm structure. Keyed to the outer end of the shaft |82 is a chain sprocket |83 connected to an endless chain |84, the arm |13 being made hollow to receive the chain, and this chain engages and drives a chain sprocket |85 keyed to a shaft |86 journaled in the connecting frame |16. Formed on and rotatable with the shaft is a spur gear |81 meshing with a spur gear |86 keyed to a. shaft |89 herein arranged parallel with the shaft |86 and likewise journaled in the connecting frame |16. Keyed to and driven by the shaft |89 is a chain sprocket |90 which engages and drives an endless cutter chain |9| mounted` for circulation about the margin of an elongated vertical plane'cutter bar |92; thelatter herein fixed by bolts |93 to' the connecting frame |116; Thuneans for elevating and depressing the arm' st ure to swing the kerf cutter vertically in its plan omprises, as in the forms of the invention above cribed, a pair of hydraulic cylinders |94 arranged at the opposite sides of the machine frame be een thevframe and arm structure beneath the side arm portions of the latter, and these cylindersare each pivotally mounted to swing in vertical planes about a horizontal pivot at |95. Each of the cylinders contains a reciprocable piston |96 having an upwardly extending piston rod |91 extending through the packed upper head |98A of the cylinder andthese piston rods are pivotally'connected at |99 within` depending lugs 200 formed integral with the arm structure side'arm portions. It will thus be seen that when fluid pressure' is supplied to the cylinders |94 the arm structure may be swung upwardly and downwardly about its pivot and may be locked in any adjustedY position by trapping the fluidwithin the cylinders. As inthe forms of the invention above described, a pump 20| driven by a bevel gear 202 meshing with the bevel gear |18 is provided for Supplying fluid under pressure to the hydraulic cylinders.

Now'referring to the improved propelling mechanism for the machine, it will be noted that keyed to the rear end of the motorpower shaft |1| is a spur pinion 204 meshingrwith a spur gear 205 keyed to a longitudinally extending `shaft 206. Fixed toI and driven `by the shaft 206 is'a worm 201 meshing at its opposite sides with worm. wheels 208 and 209V herein arranged on parallel vertical axes in a manner similar to the worm wheels 84 and 85 of the forms of the invention above described. These worm wheels are connectible by multiple disc clutches 2|0 to parallel vertical shafts 2| I4 and 2|2 respectively. Fixed-to these shafts are low speed worms 21| 3 and- 2 |4 having teeth of the same inclination. AsY the worm wheels 208, 209 are driven by the worm 201 in opposite directions, the worms 2|3 and 244 are rotated in opposite directions, and since they have teethv of the same inclination they effect drive of low speed worm wheels 2|5 and 2|6 meshing therewith in opposite directions at the same low speed. The clutches 2`| 0 are each operl ated by a bell crank lever 2|-1 pivotally` supported by a transverse rod 2|8 andrengaginga ball bearing clutch applying member 219. Each lever is operated by a pressure screw 220 having a manual operating handle 22|. It will thus be seen that the disc clutches 2| 0 for controlling the connection of the worm wheels208, 2091to the vertical shafts may be independently manually controlled. The relatively reversely rotating low speed worm wheels 2|5, 2 I6 are rotatably mount'- ed on a horizontal drive shaft 222 (see Fig. 16) suitably journaled at its ends within bearings supported by the sides of the machine frame. As in the forms ofthe invention above described,

the worm wheels 2|5, 2|6 are connectibleto the shaft 222 by means of an interlocking clutch mechanism 223 and having similar operating means. Journaled within bearing sleeves supported' within the shaft 222 and extending centrally through the latter is a shaft 224, and the the clutchf225 is a chain sprocket 228 which is f connected by an endless chain 229 to a chain sprocket2'30 journaled on a bearing sleeve supportedb'y ahorizontal shaft 23|. The shaft 23| extends transversely of the machine and is journaled at its opposite ends within bearings supported within brackets vcarried by the sides of the truck frarne. The hub of the sprocket 230 is connectible by a'sliding clutch- 232 to the shaft 23|. Keyed to the opposite end of the shaft 23| is a' chain sprocket 233 connected by an endless chain 234 to a chain sprocket 235 xed to the Vreartruck wheel axle. The front and rear truck wheel axles are connected in driving relatimklr means ofl a chain and sprocket connection 6: It will thus be seen that when the sDrocktt-ZSU" is connected by the clutch 232 l to the shaft 2`3'ljpand one or the other of the disc clutches 2|0 is applied, the mining machine may be propelled bo'dlyalong the mine trackway either'forwardlyor rearwardly at a relatively low cutting speed.

ThehighI speed propelling means for the machine comprises a'shaftv 231 journaled in a gear housing' 238 supported on the rearward portion 4of the truck frame at the rear ofthe machine frame', and connected by a coupling 239,10 the shaft 206, as shown in Fig. 19. Keyed t'o therear end f the shaft 231 is a bevel gear 240 meshing with reversely rot'atingbevel gears 24| and 242`` suitably journaled-within the gear'housing 238. Disc clutches 243 and 244 respectively are pr'o'- vided'fo'r selectively connecting the reverse bevels 24|,` 242 toa tubular shaft 245s'uitably journaled 'Within the gearrhousin'g 238 andthrough which the' shaft 23| centrally extends. Clutch operatfet d ing means including a clutch shipper member 246 having an operating lever 241 is provided for eiecting application of the clutches 243, 244. As shown in Fig. 15, the tubular shaft 245 is connectible to the shaft 23| by means of the sliding clutch 232. It will thus be seen that when the shaft 23| is connected by the clutch 232 tol the shaft 245 and one or the other of the disc clutches 243, 244 is applied, the apparatus may be propelled along the mine trackway either forwardly or rearwardly at a relatively high transport speed,

The operation of the modied form of the invention shown in Figs, 15 to 19, inclusive, is as follows: The trackway |61 is laid perpendicular to the coal face, and when it is desired to insert a vertical shear cut in the coal seam, fluid pressure is supplied to the hydraulic cylinders |94 to effect swinging of the arm structure |69 upwardly in a vertical direction about its 'pivot to move the tip end of the kerf cutter adjacent the mine roof. The clutch |8| is then shifted to connect the shafts |86, |82 and as a result, the cutter chain is rapidly circulated about the margin of the cutter bar by the motor |18 through the chain and sprocket connection |83, |84 and |85 and spur gearing |81, |88. The low speed clutch 2 l0 controlling the connection of the vertical shaft 2|| to the worm wheel 288 may then be applied, and as a result, the mining machine is propelled forwardly along the mine trackway at a low cutting speed to sump 'the kerf cutter within the coal seam. Upon the completion of the sumping eut, hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinders |94 to swing the arm structure downwardly about its pivot to move the kerf cutter in an arcuate path about the arm structure pivot to cut a vertical kerf between the mine roof and mine floor. When the swinging cut is completed, the clutch controlling the low speed clutch 2|8 for connecting the vertical shaft 2|2 for the Worm wheel 209 is applied, and as a result1 the mining machine is propelled rearwardly along the mine trackway at a low cutting speed to withdraw the kerf cutter from the coal. The mining machine may be propelled at a high speed along the mine trackway under the control of the disc clutches 243, 244, the clutch 232 at that time being released from the Sprocket 230 and the shaft 23| connected to the shaft 245. As in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the arm structure |69 maybe provided with the rotating cutter head shown in Figs. 12 and 13 to enable the machine to operate as a horizontal slabbing cutter with the kerf cutter projecting laterally in a right angle position from the Side of the machine.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved mining machine is provided having an improved adjustable supporting struc-l ture for the kerf cutting mechanism whereby thev kerf cutter may be adjusted and operated in an improved manner. It will further be noted that an improved adjustable arm structure is Drovided having associated therewith improved parallel motion means whereby when the kerf cutter is adjusted into different elevated DOSitions the kerf cutter is always automatically maintained horizontal, and having embodied therein improved means for tilting the kerf cutter through a wide range of angularly related cutting planes with respect to the horizontal. It

will also be evident that improved meansfor driving and feeding the kerf cutter are provided. These and other uses and advantages of the improved mining machine will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there are in this application specically described three forms which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms of the same are shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: y

l. In a mining machine, a machine frame, an elongated rigid arm structure pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto and having parallel side arm portions straddling and extending longitudinally along the sides of the forward portion of the machine frame and pivotally. mounted on the latter on alined horizontal axes located a substantial distance to the rear of the forward end of said frame, one of said side arm portions being hollow, and a transverse frame portion extending horizontally between the Aforward extremities -of said side arm portions and located in advance of said frame, a kerf cutter mounted on said transverse frame centrally between the side arm portions of said arm structure, and motor operated means for driving said kerf cutter including a chain sprocket coaxial with the arm structure pivot, a chain sprocket operatively connected to the kerf cutter and arranged with its axis parallel with the axis of said rst men'- tioned chain sprocket, and an endless drive chain engaging said chain sprockets and housed withi said hollow side arm portion.

f 2. In a mining machine, a machine frame, an elongated rigid arm structure pivotally mounted on said frame to swing in avertical direction with respect thereto and having parallel side arm portions straddling and extending longitudinally along the sides of the forward portion of the machine frame and pivotally mounted on the latter on alined horizontal axes located asub- Y stantialdistance to the rear of the forward end of said frame, one of said side arm portions being hollow, and a transverse frame portion extending horizontally between the forward extremities of said side arm portions and located in advance of said frame, a kerf cutter mounted on'said transverse frame centrally between the side arm portions of said `arm structure, motor operated means for driving said kerf cutter including a chain sprocket coaxial with the arm structure pivot, a chainsprocket operatively connected to the kerf cutter and arranged with its axis parallel with the axisrofV said first mentioned chain sprocket, and an endless drive chain Iengaging said chain sprockets and housed within said hollow side arm portion,v and devices arranged between said frame and the side arm portions of said arm structure beneath said side arm porsaid h ollow arm portions, and means for always automatically maintaining said kerf cutter parallel to a common straight line during swinging of said arm structure including parallel motion connections housed within said other side arm portion.

4. In a mining machine, a machine frame, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said machine frame to swing relative thereto, a cutter support pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, a kerf cutter carried by said swingable support, means for swinging said; arm structure, and means for maintaining automatically said kerf cutter always parallel to a common straight. line during swinging of the arm structure including a chain sprocket xed to said support in coaxial relation with the support pivot, a sprocket in co.- axial relation with the arm structure pivot, an endless chain extending between and engaging said sprockets, and means for holding said last mentioned sprocket against rotation relative to said machine frame.

'In a mining'machine, a machine frame, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said machine frame to swing relative thereto, a cutter support pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, a kerf cutter carried by said swingable support, means for swinging said arm structure, means for maintaining automatically said kerf cutter always parallel to a common straight line during swinging of the arm structure including a chain sprocket fixed to said support in coaxial relation withV the support pivot, a sprocket in coaxial relation with the arm structure pivot, an endless chain extending between and engaging said sprockets and means for holding said last mentioned sprocket against rotation relative to said machine frame, and means for rotating said last mentioned sprocket with respect to said Inaohine frame to eiect tilting through said chain land sprocket connection of said cuttersupport relative to said arm structure to move said kerf cutter into angularly related cutting planes with respect to said straight line.

6. In a` mining machine, a machine frame, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said machine frame to swing with Yrespect thereto, a cutter support pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing with respect thereto about an axis parallel to the arm struc- .ture pivot axis, a kerf cutter carried by said cutter? support, and means for tilting said cutter support relative to said arm structurel to move said kerf cutter into angularly related cutting planes including a sprocket iixed to saidcutter support in coaxial relation with the support pivot, a sprocket in coaxial relation with'the arm structure pivot, an endless chain extending between said sprockets and engaging the same, and means for rotating said last mentioned sprocket.

7. In a mining machine, a machine frame, an elongated rigid arm structure pivotally mounted onsaid framev on a horizontal-axis to swingA ina vertical direction with respect thereto, a cutter support pivotally mountedat the outer extremity of said arm structure toY swing with-respect thereto aboutan'axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, a kerf cutter carriedl by said-cutter support, means for swinging said arm structure about-its pivot, parallel motion means connected to said cuttersupportfand saidiframe and'lextending therebetween for maintaining automatically said kerf cutter always parallel. to a common. straight line during swinging of said arm struc.- ture, said parallel motion means including connections mounted on said arm structure to swing therewith, and means associated with an element of said parallel motion means for tilting said cutter support about its pivot relative to said arm structure to move said kerf cutter into angularly related cutting planes with respect to said straight. line, said: tilting means including means for moving said parallel motion connectionsrelative to said arm structure to eiect cutter support tilt while the armV structureremains stationary.

,85. In a mining machine, a machine frame adaptedI to rest upon and slide in any direction over the mine ilpor,` flexible feeding means for feeding the machine frame over the mine iioor, an elongated rigid arm structure pivotally mounted on` saidframe on a horizontal axis` to Swingin, avertical direction with respect thereto, a` cutter support pivotally; mounted at the outer extremity of; saidparm structure to swing with respect thereto about an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, a kerf cutter carried by said swingable cutter support and tiltable with the latter into relatively. inclinedcutting' planes, and means for swingingsaidcutter support about. its pivot relativeto saidarm structure including connections mountedion-saidarmstructure and movable relative thereto; toV eiect support tilt while said arm structure remainsstationary as regards swinging movement relative to saidframe, and means on saidmachine frame and relative to whichsaid arm structure isswngable for moving said connections relative tosaid arm structure.

9; Inra mining machine, a portable base, but a single unitary arm structure pivotally mounted on saidbase toswing in avertical direction with respect theretoon a horizontal axis, aY horizontal kerf. cutter mounted: on. the outer extremity of` sai-d` arm structure to swing relative thereto about a horizontal axis parallel to said arm. structure pivot axis, means forswinging saidV arm structure. tol vary the elevation of said kerf cutter, means connected betweensaid base and said kerf cutter for,y automatically/holding the latter in a horizontal cutting position during swinging of said arm structure-and including an element on said frame,.an element connectedtosaid kerf cutter anda connectionbetween said elements, said connection` mounted on said arm structure to swingtherewith andibetween which and said arm structure lrelativeAY movement` Voccurs during arm structure swing, and means connected to one-of said elementsv forV tilting said kerf cutter relative to said arm structure into cutting planes inclined with respect to the horizontal.

10: Inamining machine, a portable base, but A a single unitary armstructure pivotally mounted on Vsaid basev to swing in a vertical direction with respectlthereto ona horizontal axis, a horizontal kerfI cutter mounted-on the outer extremity of saidarm structure to swing relative thereto about a horizontal axis-.parallel to said arm structureV pivot axismeans yfor swinging said arm structure to vary` the elevation. of sai-d kerf cutter,` means connected 'between said Vbase nand 'said "kerf cutterffor automatically holding: the latter ina horizontalV cutting position duringswingingof saidfarmstructure and including an element on said frame, an .elementconnected to said kerf cutter and a4 connection 2 between saidk elements, said connection-mounted oir said arm structureto swing-therewith and betweenfwhich' and said :arm

structure relative movement occurs during arm structure swing, and means connected to one of said elements for moving said connection relative to said arm structure to tilt said kerf cutter relative to said arm structure into cutting planes inclined with respect to the horizontal.

11. In a mining machine, a portable base, but a single unitary arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto on a horizontal axis, a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about a horizontal axis parallel to said arm structure pivot axis, means for swinging said arm structure to vary the elevation of said kerf cutter, means connected between said base and said kerf cutter for automatically holding the latter in a horizontal cutting position during swinging of said arm structure including an element on said frame, an element connected to said kerf cutter and a connection between said elements, and a hydraulic ram connected to one of said elements for moving said connection relative to said arm structure to tilt said kerf cutter relative to said arm structure into cutting planes inclined with respect to the horizontal.

12. In a mining machine, a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing into relatively inclined cutting planes with respect thereto about an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, and motor operated means for moving said kerf cutter about said parallel pivot into cutting planes inclined With respect to the horizontal including a servo-motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is swingable, and connections between said servo-motor and said kerf cutter and movable relative to said arm structure while the latter remains stationary as regards swinging movementV about its pivot relative to the base, said servo-motor exclusively for controlling said connections and said connections alternatively actuated and held by said servo-motor.

13. In a miningmachine, a portable base, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in a vertical direction with respect thereto, a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing into relatively inclined cutting planes with respect thereto about an axis parallel with the arm structure pivot axis, and motor operated means for moving said kerf cutter about said parallel pivot into cutting planes inclined with respect to the horizontal axis including a power device on said base, and connections movable relative to said arm structure while the latter remains stationary as regards swinging movement about its pivot relative to the base, said connections actuated by said power device and including a member alined with the arm structure pivot axis, a member alined with the cutter pivot axis, and a transmission member extending between and connecting said members.

' MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

